The article discusses collaboration initiatives developed in education in the state of Ceará (Brazil), which has been recognized for its positive experience in this area. In order to frame the subject into its context a few elements of its current debate are presented as well as some considerations on the nature of the collaboration process. The analysis focuses three mutually articulated issues: the collaboration at the state and municipal levels, through direct mechanisms of cooperation, the collaboration at the state, municipal and school levels through regional institutions and the collaboration among schools, through financial incentives promoted by the state. Understanding collaboration as a two-way process, the central argument is that the collaboration agreement in Ceará has been historically built, being stimulated by both the state and the municipalities throughout time and that is why the experience has been successful.
Educational policy; Collaboration forms; Ceará